RS Components has released new software for its DesignSpark PCB platform. The company advises this latest Version 6.0 includes features such as enhanced ease-of-use for 
The company points out that this sixth edition builds upon the previous version of the tool, which was announced in April 2013 adding further functionality including Online Design Rule Checking (Real-Time DRC) and design support for buses.
DesignSpark Mechanical IDF Export
Following the launch of the company’s DesignSpark Mechanical in September 2013 DesignSpark PCB users were able to design the mechanical elements of their products with a free-of-charge tool from the DesignSpark suite. This requires designs to be exported from DesignSpark PCB using the industry standard IDF format. Feedback from users identified the need for closer integration between the tools. In response, the company has now adapted its DesignSpark PCB Version 6.0 to include simplified IDF export dedicated to its DesignSpark Mechanical.
This new interface is claimed to make the design transfer process easier and with various parameters pre-configured, enables designs to be exported more quickly while minimising the risk of user errors.
Cross Probe
The Cross Probe (X-probe) functionality in Version 6.0 is said to further speed up the design process by allowing instant referencing between the schematic and the PCB-design views within the software. The company adds that, usually it is relatively straightforward to identify a component in PCB view, but not necessarily so easy to find its corresponding symbol within the schematic – unless the system is extremely well known and understood by a user. Cross Probe allows the user to simply click on the component in either view, which will then immediately take them to the component in the counterpart view. The function works either way from PCB to schematic or vice versa.
Custom Shortcuts
The new Custom Shortcuts functionality in Version 6.0 allows more customisation flexibility within the user interface. Users can now configure the tool, defining their own shortcuts and hot keys, which aims to make it much easier and quicker to use, especially if you are used to specific shortcut operations when using other PCB design tools.
RS continues to remove the barriers of cost and complexity in electronics design and the release of Version 6.0 is a further confirmation of our commitment to support the growth of the DesignSpark PCB user base and deliver the best possible open-source hardware design experience to electronics engineers,” said Mark Cundle, Head of Technical Marketing at RS. “Feedback from the DesignSpark community has been instrumental in the evolution of DesignSpark PCB and this new version of the software fully embodies this approach, allowing engineers to innovate with free yet high-performance design tools.”
RS Components
www.rs-components.com
